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Boston ferns (Nephrolepis)
Also known as : Macho ferns
Boston ferns is genus of ferns that are often kept as houseplants. They are sometimes known as macho ferns. These ferns tend to hail from tropical areas of the world and love a shady, humid spot much like they would in a rainforest. They can be grown outdoors in warmer climates, in a greenhouse, or indoors in cooler places.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Boston ferns
Feedback
Attributes of Boston ferns
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Trivia and Interesting Facts
Nephrolepis exaltata var. bostoniens is a drooping foliage-viewing plant, but in the seedling stage, it grows gracefully upward. As it continues to grow, its branches gradually drop, and then it can be made into a hanging plant for display.
Scientific Classification of Boston ferns
Distribution of Boston ferns
Feedback
Distribution Map of Boston ferns
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Boston ferns
Feedback
Boston ferns are low-maintenance houseplants. They require indirect light and high humidity, making them ideally suited for rooms that replicate their native humid forest understories. Watering should be consistent, without allowing the plants to dry out completely. They flourish in regular indoor temperatures and thrive in well-draining, compost-rich soil. However, they can be susceptible to mealybugs and scale, and may struggle in dry and cold conditions. Seasonally, boston ferns adapts well to varying indoor conditions, though a decrease in light during the winter months may result in sparse fronds.
How to Water Boston ferns?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Boston ferns?
How to Propagate Boston ferns?
How to Plant Boston ferns?
Exploring the Boston ferns Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Boston fern
The Nephrolepis exaltata is commonly known as the boston fern or sword fern. It is a common and popular houseplant that is native to tropical environments. While the boston fern can survive droughts, it prefers humid environments and should be misted regularly. It is generally considered non-toxic and is pet friendly.
Kimberley queen fern
Kimberley queen fern (Nephrolepis obliterata) is a tropical fern with beautiful dark green, sword-shaped fronds. It can be grown in the ground in warm climates but cannot tolerate cold temperatures. Thrives in full shade or dappled sunlight. It cannot tolerate full sun. When grown indoors, it acts as a natural air purifier. Fertilize twice a year and keep soil consistently moist but not wet.
Giant sword fern
Giant sword fern (Nephrolepis biserrata) is a fern found in tropical regions around the world. It prefers shady conditions and moist, well-drained soil. Giant sword fern can grow to about 1.4 m in height. The individual leaves take on a papery texture.
Tuberous sword fern
Tuberous sword fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia) is an evergreen fern that is often grown as a summer annual in containers. It can serve as ground cover in frost-free regions. It can be invasive if not controlled.
Fishtail swordfern
The fishtail swordfern (Nephrolepis falcata) is a tropical fern native to Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, New Guinea, and Australia. Its foliage makes it an excellent container plant, and it is used in landscaping, as a ground cover, and in hanging baskets. In Asia, the leaves are boiled as a vegetable and the roots are pounded to make flour.
Rough sword fern
Rough sword fern is a lush fern with long, arching fronds covered with small, delicate leaflets. Its leaflets are finely toothed, contributing to a feathery appearance. The underside of each frond exhibits sporangia that appear as round sori, crucial for reproduction. Rough sword fern thrives in moist, shaded environments, where its dense, green foliage can form extensive clusters, enhancing ground cover and forest diversity.
Asian sword fern
Asian sword fern is an elegant fern with arching, lance-shaped fronds that display a lush, feathery appearance. Its fronds typically reach up to a meter in length, making it a standout among ferns. The delicate leaflets, or pinnae, grow in a manner that somewhat resembles a fish's scales, providing a unique texture. Preferring warm and humid conditions, asian sword fern thrives in dappled sunlight, often found in the understory of forests where it contributes a touch of graceful greenery.
Boston fern
The boston fern is one of the most common ornamental fern cultivars in the world. It is one of the easiest varieties to grow indoors, making it an extremely popular houseplant. Boston fern is also distinguishable for its gorgeous fronds, which arch gracefully rather than stand erect.
All Species of Boston ferns
Boston fern
Boston fern
The Nephrolepis exaltata is commonly known as the boston fern or sword fern. It is a common and popular houseplant that is native to tropical environments. While the boston fern can survive droughts, it prefers humid environments and should be misted regularly. It is generally considered non-toxic and is pet friendly.
Kimberley queen fern
Kimberley queen fern
Kimberley queen fern (Nephrolepis obliterata) is a tropical fern with beautiful dark green, sword-shaped fronds. It can be grown in the ground in warm climates but cannot tolerate cold temperatures. Thrives in full shade or dappled sunlight. It cannot tolerate full sun. When grown indoors, it acts as a natural air purifier. Fertilize twice a year and keep soil consistently moist but not wet.
Giant sword fern
Giant sword fern
Giant sword fern (Nephrolepis biserrata) is a fern found in tropical regions around the world. It prefers shady conditions and moist, well-drained soil. Giant sword fern can grow to about 1.4 m in height. The individual leaves take on a papery texture.
Tuberous sword fern
Tuberous sword fern
Tuberous sword fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia) is an evergreen fern that is often grown as a summer annual in containers. It can serve as ground cover in frost-free regions. It can be invasive if not controlled.
Fishtail swordfern
Fishtail swordfern
The fishtail swordfern (Nephrolepis falcata) is a tropical fern native to Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, New Guinea, and Australia. Its foliage makes it an excellent container plant, and it is used in landscaping, as a ground cover, and in hanging baskets. In Asia, the leaves are boiled as a vegetable and the roots are pounded to make flour.
Rough sword fern
Rough sword fern
Rough sword fern is a lush fern with long, arching fronds covered with small, delicate leaflets. Its leaflets are finely toothed, contributing to a feathery appearance. The underside of each frond exhibits sporangia that appear as round sori, crucial for reproduction. Rough sword fern thrives in moist, shaded environments, where its dense, green foliage can form extensive clusters, enhancing ground cover and forest diversity.
Asian sword fern
Asian sword fern
Asian sword fern is an elegant fern with arching, lance-shaped fronds that display a lush, feathery appearance. Its fronds typically reach up to a meter in length, making it a standout among ferns. The delicate leaflets, or pinnae, grow in a manner that somewhat resembles a fish's scales, providing a unique texture. Preferring warm and humid conditions, asian sword fern thrives in dappled sunlight, often found in the understory of forests where it contributes a touch of graceful greenery.
Boston fern
Boston fern
The boston fern is one of the most common ornamental fern cultivars in the world. It is one of the easiest varieties to grow indoors, making it an extremely popular houseplant. Boston fern is also distinguishable for its gorgeous fronds, which arch gracefully rather than stand erect.
Button sword fern
Button sword fern
Button sword fern is a charming, dwarf variety of fern with distinct, petite, button-like leaves and a bright green hue. Its compact size makes it an ideal houseplant, thriving in humid environments with indirect light. This fern's fluffy, circular fronds form an elegant texture, creating a lush, whimsical appearance that enhances any indoor garden.
Lemon button fern
Lemon button fern
Lemon button fern is a dwarf hybrid of an evergreen fern that is perfectly suited to growing in small indoor containers. It produces a pleasant lemon-like aroma during its growing season. This is an excellent choice for the first-time grower because of its ease of care, although it should be sheltered from draughts.
Boston fern 'Green Lady'
Boston fern 'Green Lady'
Boston fern 'Green Lady' makes for an eye-catching houseplant, with its delicate fronds arching gracefully. Not only does it have air-purifying properties, but it's also pet-friendly! This resilient variety tolerates lower light and drier air better than other ferns.
Sword fern 'Fluffy Ruffles Upright'
Sword fern 'Fluffy Ruffles Upright'
Sword fern 'Fluffy Ruffles Upright' is a cultivar of the Boston fern that was bred to display soft, dense fronds that have a "ruffled" appearance (hence the name "Fluffy Ruffles"). It's a newer cultivar that is especially loved for its ability to thrive in low-light conditions. It makes a wonderful houseplant or groundcover in a garden.
Petticoat fern
Petticoat fern
Petticoat fern is an attractive fern hybrid that has longer lobes on its leaf fronds than those of the parent plant, Nephrolepis exaltata. These delightfully crinkled leaves give it the appearance of a lace petticoat, thus earning it its name, and offer tremendous ornamental appeal. When grown as a houseplant, this plant's drought tolerance makes it easy to care for, but it does need adequate humidity.
Boston fern 'Tiger'
Boston fern 'Tiger'
Boston fern 'Tiger' is an attractive fern hybrid that differs from the plain green leaves of its parent plant, Nephrolepis exaltata, with its delightfully striped light and dark green leaves. Unsurprisingly, these stripes are the reason it was christened Tiger. This plant suspends gracefully from hanging baskets and grows well with minimal care.
Nephrolepis flexuosa
Nephrolepis flexuosa
Nephrolepis flexuosa is a lush, evergreen fern with long, arching fronds that can create a cascading effect. A defining feature is its wavy-edged pinnae, which give a sense of movement even in still air. Typically found in tropical and subtropical habitats, nephrolepis flexuosa's growth is favored by high humidity and dappled sunlight, allowing it to thrive in the understorey of forests or as a graceful houseplant.
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Boston ferns
Nephrolepis
Also known as: Macho ferns
Boston ferns is genus of ferns that are often kept as houseplants. They are sometimes known as macho ferns. These ferns tend to hail from tropical areas of the world and love a shady, humid spot much like they would in a rainforest. They can be grown outdoors in warmer climates, in a greenhouse, or indoors in cooler places.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
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Key Facts About Boston ferns
Feedback
Attributes of Boston ferns
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Trivia and Interesting Facts
Nephrolepis exaltata var. bostoniens is a drooping foliage-viewing plant, but in the seedling stage, it grows gracefully upward. As it continues to grow, its branches gradually drop, and then it can be made into a hanging plant for display.
Scientific Classification of Boston ferns
Distribution of Boston ferns
Feedback
Distribution Map of Boston ferns
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Boston ferns
Feedback
Boston ferns are low-maintenance houseplants. They require indirect light and high humidity, making them ideally suited for rooms that replicate their native humid forest understories. Watering should be consistent, without allowing the plants to dry out completely. They flourish in regular indoor temperatures and thrive in well-draining, compost-rich soil. However, they can be susceptible to mealybugs and scale, and may struggle in dry and cold conditions. Seasonally, boston ferns adapts well to varying indoor conditions, though a decrease in light during the winter months may result in sparse fronds.
How to Water Boston ferns?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Boston ferns?
How to Propagate Boston ferns?
How to Plant Boston ferns?
Exploring the Boston ferns Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Boston fern
The Nephrolepis exaltata is commonly known as the boston fern or sword fern. It is a common and popular houseplant that is native to tropical environments. While the boston fern can survive droughts, it prefers humid environments and should be misted regularly. It is generally considered non-toxic and is pet friendly.
Kimberley queen fern
Kimberley queen fern (Nephrolepis obliterata) is a tropical fern with beautiful dark green, sword-shaped fronds. It can be grown in the ground in warm climates but cannot tolerate cold temperatures. Thrives in full shade or dappled sunlight. It cannot tolerate full sun. When grown indoors, it acts as a natural air purifier. Fertilize twice a year and keep soil consistently moist but not wet.
Giant sword fern
Giant sword fern (Nephrolepis biserrata) is a fern found in tropical regions around the world. It prefers shady conditions and moist, well-drained soil. Giant sword fern can grow to about 1.4 m in height. The individual leaves take on a papery texture.
Tuberous sword fern
Tuberous sword fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia) is an evergreen fern that is often grown as a summer annual in containers. It can serve as ground cover in frost-free regions. It can be invasive if not controlled.
Show More Species
All Species of Boston ferns
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
